The Agricultural Research Service owns and operates a 446 acre arboretum, which is used to make better trees. Just recently this arboretum installed a solar panel that controls the irrigation. This single solar panel system is part of a larger plan to make the whole ARS run on solar energy. Later projects include larger solar panels that will provide energy for the gift shops and restrooms. As of now there are a total of six solar panels that collect the suns energy, move it to a battery where it is then converted into electricity to control the irrigation. The solar panels were actually installed because they are cheaper than traditional wiring. If the arboretum were to have cables for power, the source would be over half a mile away. Using solar panels is actually much cheaper and will help with the arboretum’s budget. All of this comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture calling for more green technology on agricultural facilities. The current system took only a year to complete and has created a pathway for others to follow. Farmers can install green energy for little things or big things, from water fountains to irrigation systems.
This definitely has a great impact on the rest of America. If every farm that used electric irrigation started to use solar energy, the solar panel business would skyrocket. Soon, with all the income the business is getting, they will be experimenting with new methods to use solar energy. Eventually the common car will be replaced with solar cars and houses will be powered by solar energy. This is how one arboretum going green can change the world.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502083917.htm
"Solar-Powered Irrigation System Unveiled At U.S. National Arboretum." Science Daily. 2 May 2009. 03 May 2009 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502083917.htm.
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